High School in the UK

History, tradition and monuments. The latest in music, film and fashion. Beautiful villages, white cliffs and sunny beaches. Arguably the best football league in the world and famous cities like London, Oxford and Edinburgh. The United Kingdom really has it all.

High School Classic

High School Classic is the traditional high school exchange programme, chosen by most of our students. It is the perfect programme for those who long for a genuine high school experience abroad and who are willing to embrace all the surprises it can bring. Here is how it works: based on your profile, we find you a suitable host family and school, and the best part is, it can be anywhere in the UK, from the charming English countryside to the spectacular Scottish Highlands! If you’re open to adventure and are willing to let yourself be surprised by your exchange experience, this is the programme for you.

High School Select

Take full control of your high school exchange with STS High School Select. Maybe you already know what you want from your experience abroad. With the High School Select programme you get a tailor-made high school exchange that perfectly matches your profile and preferences, allowing you to choose the exact location and school you want to attend. How about the beautiful Welsh landscapes? Or a seaside town like Brighton or Bournemouth? Or why not choose a school in the metropolis itself and spend a year in London, one of the world’s finest cities?

We work with carefully selected schools in some of the country’s most spectacular locations, all of which offer high academic standards and superb learning environments. There are different types of schools, each specialising on different subjects and offering diverse activities, clubs and opportunities. Tell us what is most important to you, and we’ll make sure you get the exact experience you’re looking for.

About Great Britain

Being an exchange student in the UK is the perfect mix of excellent education and a whole lot of fun. You will get to know a rich culture and realise that it’s so much more than just the obvious sights in London. And where do you get the best English training, and the coolest accent, if not in the UK? Whether you live in the countryside or in one of the bigger cities, a year in the UK has a lot to offer.

Population: 65 million
Parts: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Area: 243 610 km2
Capital: London
Government: Parliamentary democracy with the ruling monarch as head of state
Language: English
Currency: British pounds
Country code: +44

Great schooling in the UK

The British educational system is highly regarded and often seen as one of the best in the world. A great choice for your high school exchange! Naturally, it’s perfect if you want to concentrate on improving your English. The secondary school systems are slightly different in England and Scotland. In England, most exchange students enrol in one of the final two years of study, known as Sixth Form, where students prepare for their A-levels. You choose three or four core subjects and concentrate on studying them in-depth. In Scotland, these years are called Senior Phase (S4 and S5). In this system students take a wider variety of courses (usually five or six) for a more balanced but less specialised education.

A year to remember for a lifetime

The yearly school calendar is also different in English and Scottish schools: in Scotland the school year tends to start in mid-August, while in England it usually starts in early September, so be sure to check your school’s start date and when you get time off. Most students in Scotland will be required to wear a uniform, while in England school uniforms are less common. All students are expected address teachers with Sir, Mr, Mrs or Miss. It may be a bit stricter than you are used to, but it’s good for study morale. There’s also much more than just studying to the school experience. School in the UK offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, art, cultural clubs and academic clubs. Your exchange year in the UK is sure to give you great memories for the rest of your life!

Welcome home!

The Brits are famously polite and considerate. Your carefully selected and motivated host family will take really good care of you. They will most likely encourage you to take a lot of responsibility and help you grow as a person. By becoming a part of a British family you will get a unique insight into the culture, its traditions and the UK way of life.

Lots of laughs and family fun

Obviously, all families have their own favourite activities and they will be happy to let you join them. You might have a full English breakfast and watch a Premier League match on Saturdays. At some point, you will probably have tea and scones and maybe try some Yorkshire puddings.

In the beginning, you might be a bit puzzled by the carpeting in the bathroom or other details you haven’t seen before. And when the conversation is about the rules of cricket you might not fully understand. But give it some time and you will soon learn the lingo. Also, lots of laughs are guaranteed – the Brits have a great sense of humour!

When class is over

What to do besides homework? Don’t worry, you will have plenty of options for your free time. All activities take place outside of school, meaning there are almost endless activities to choose from. The UK is buzzing with fashion, music, culture and sports. Go to museums, take a dance class or go riding, whatever you find interesting!

Music made in the UK

The UK is home for many famous artists, producers and songwriters. If you’re into music, you should definitely let your interest grow and explore new scenes and styles during your exchange year. Get tickets for a concert or join a band with your new friends.

For the sports fan

Soccer is the number one sport in the UK. There are many top teams and the rivalry between cities is something special. Even if you don’t want to play yourself, make sure to watch a game at least once, at home or maybe even live. If you want to go for something typically British, try cricket or rugby!

Follow us around

During your year in the UK, your local contact person will keep you updated with information about travelling with us within the country. The trips that are offered may vary depending on where you live. You might have the option to visit Land’s End in Cornwall, follow us to Scotland or spend a weekend in London. All trips will be an additional cost.

The High School Classic programme in the UK gives you the option to do your exchange in either England or Scotland. Please note that the price may differ depending on which country you choose. Contact us to confirm the price for the programme of your choice.

These prices are for EU Passport holders, there will be additional fees for non-EU passport holders.

For you that wish to stay shorter than 5 or 10 months we also have shorter programme lengths. Please call us!